Technical Abstract:
Two types of pectin based composite networks were prepared and evaluated in this study: (I) Pectin-protein composite films and (II) Pectin gels incorporated with silicate nanoparticles. The structural and mechanical characterizations indicated that the properties of the composite films could be controlled by altering the compositions and the ratios of components, or by cross-linking. The pectin-silicate gels were loaded onto the surfaces of paper strips to form a coating layer. The coating layer enhanced the flame retardancy and was able to retain the basic functionalities of the papers.